Candidate profile: Carol McAlister, for school board

For Carol McAlister, school is something that benefits the community as well as schools. The longtime Austin resident hopes to be part of the community’s education as she runs for school board for the second time in as many years.

“The decisions made by the school board needs to reflect not only what is in the best interest of the students, but also what is in the best interest of the entire community,” McAlister said.

McAlister, a Mayo Clinic researcher for more than 23 years, knows Austin well. She graduated from Austin High School, and she and her husband have lived in the area for more than four decades. She ran for school board last fall, ultimately placing last in a six-candidate race with 2,502 votes.

She cites her experience on the Wee Learning Center Board of Directors and her volunteer work in Austin schools as strengths in her campaign. McAlister said her work at Mayo Clinic analyzing data, managing a $12 million budget and various research work would also help her as a board member.

“I am accustomed to analyzing data and strategically looking outside of the box for solutions,” she said.

McAlister said she’s concerned with test scores on state comprehensive tests as well as the district’s anti-bullying efforts.

“I’m still very concerned about test scores,” she said. “That was my No. 1 issue last year and it’s my No. 1 issue this year.”